Every individual has a unique story

What’s the greatest challenge I’ve faced as a leader in the diversity space? The answer is silence. People are going to be uncomfortable is often used as the reason to avoid having needed conversations. But you need to use your voice as a catalyst for understanding and change, to advocate for others and to build better communities.

Candid and unfiltered conversations about racism, discrimination, and diversity lead to understanding. What we don’t understand, we often fear. And when we fear something, we want to control it or keep it as far away as possible. And that holds people and organizations back from reaching their full potential.

Every individual has a unique story. By offering opportunities to get to know our colleagues, we build trust. Trust allows people to thrive by bringing their “whole-selves” to work. This leads to better engagement, productivity and retention – at a time when employees have more choices than ever.

Leaders who master these skills and competencies build a human-centered culture of inclusion that will ensure success well into the future. I am driven by a personal goal to help strengthen communities and to encourage people to advocate on behalf of others.